Walking into this bijou guesthouse, with its whitewashed walls and boho stylings, is a little like walking into the pages of an upmarket interior design magazine. The house, a former barn, opens onto a garden filled with lavender, hydrangeas, magnolia trees and a pretty hidden lap pool. Hammocks are draped under trees, and a conservatory with exotic plants is the perfect spot for an organic breakfast. Inside, a high-ceilinged lounge has piles of design books around a modern fireplace, and various treasures collected by the owners on their travels.
This is one of the most peaceful spaces we’ve seen in Catalonia. Tucked in the Spanish countryside, Les Hamaques is set in a tiny, quiet village, and is just a 50-minute drive from Girona airport. The bedrooms are light and airy with shabby-chic furniture, and the shared garden is sun-dappled and beautiful. Five km down the road you’ll find a beach, while dotted around the area are Crusader-era castles, boutique vineyards and medieval villages. In the winter, take strolls around the area and warm up by the super-stylish fire; in summer, wear a large-brimmed hat and flop in the garden's shade, or hang in the hammock and enjoy the breeze.
Highs
- Close to the sea but in a peaceful rural setting; the best of both worlds in a hidden, authentic part of Spain
- Beautiful décor and romantic gardens; ideal for a restorative break with your partner
- Most rooms have private terraces or a slice of garden
- Good value for money and a great option for a whole house rental
- Lots of excellent restaurants in the region; the owners will advise and reserve tables for you
Lows
- Only 5 rooms so very intimate and you'll need to book early
- No restaurant and you'll need to drive to reach local eateries
- Vildamat is a very quiet village; not for the easily bored
- We haven't yet met the current owners, Cathleen and George, but recent guests sing their praises
- Children under 14 not allowed; it's really a peaceful, adult retreat
Best time to go
It can be unbearably hot here in August and the beaches are busy. We'd suggest coming in either spring or autumn, when the weather can be fantastic yet the beaches are quiet and the roads are navigable. Both are a good time for walking and cycling.
Our top tips
Ask your hosts for a list of local markets so you can drop by and pick up foodie gifts for friends back home. It’s also a good option if you want to make up a healthy picnic - the beach bars serve a lot of chips and fried food…
Location
Les Hamaques is in the small rural village of Vildamat in Catalonia, northern Spain. It's 5km from Sant Martí d'Empuries and its beach, and 55km from Girona.
By Air
Closest is Girona Airport (55km away), which is served by budget airlines from across Europe. You can also fly into Perpignan Rivesaltes Airport, also known as Llabanere Airport, in France (85km away), or Barcelona (136km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
From the Airport
The hotel does not offer transfers and public transport is limited in this region, so we'd recommend hiring a car. It is an easy 50-minute drive from Girona.
By Car
For car hire see our car rental recommendations and park for free in the village.
By Train/Bus
This area is not directly accessible by public transport. However, you can take the TGV train from Paris to Figueres, or a train from Barcelona to either Figueres or Sant Miquel de Fluvia, and then get a taxi from either. But this would mean that you are reliant on taxis during your stay.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Catalonia and getting around
Airports:
- Girona 55.0 km GRO
- Perpignan 85.0 km PGF
Other:
- Beach 5.0 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 4.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Les hamaques is absolutely beautiful. It’s been taken over by 2 American architects, and they are such lovely hosts, lots of good tips for the local area and full of interesting conversation. Only five rooms, so it feels like you are staying in a gorgeous villa rather than a hotel. The pool is lovely, as are the gardens. We stayed in La tierra, one of the garden rooms, and it was very comfortable with a beautiful view of the garden outside from bed. There’s an honesty bar in the pool house, with clean pool and beach towels. Breakfast is served daily, with fruit, delicious Spanish meat and cheese, yoghurt, eggs and pastries. I’d say you need a car as there isn’t much in the village but they can sort out bike rental. The nearest beach at San Marti is long white sands next to pine trees and a medieval village, and the chiringuito muscleres gran is the best option on the beach for food. Escala is the nearest big town and our favourite place to eat there was Vinolo. We also had good meals at Mas Concas (close to the hotel, in an ancient grain store building I think), and La Pelosa, a drive around the coast to the national park. Worth a day trip by car or even by boat if you can. The restaurant has boat taxis and can pick you up from your bigger boat. Mainly we just loved the feel of the place. It’s beautifully designed and very relaxing. We will be back!
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape